Molecular Techniques & Data Analysis

This course will introduce students to basic molecular biology techniques required to conduct genomic, transcriptomic, and metabolomic studies. Hands-on experience in functional genomics including cDNA synthesis, quantitative PCR, and metabolite analysis (GC, HPLC, and MS) will be emphasized. The course will also cover data analysis (bioinformatics), including gene characterization and introduction to high-throughput sequencing strategies. Recent advances in insect molecular biology such as CRISPR will also be discussed where appropriate. Students are expected to attend lectures, perform assigned experiments, analyze data, participate in group discussions, complete assignments, and give oral presentations.